‘Project Runway’: Sue is not sew excited

This week brought more drama, more unconventional materials (now beginning to seem traditional since they do it so often) and more team challenges. (We also saw the brief return of Sandro after last week’s tantrum, who said his goodbyes and sort of apologized. Whatever.)

Thr designers are taken to the Meat Packing District for no discernible reason other than to drool over a bunch of luxury cars they will never have. (GRATUITOUS SPONSOR PLACEMENT!) They’re also assigned another arduous task: driving in New York. They are split into teams of three and must design a “luxurious, high-end, mini collection” with materials culled from two of three stores: vintage wallpaper, speciality foods and home furnishings.

Ken, whose diva-queen tendencies have been boiling just below the surface, is completely over it from the beginning. I sort of understand why. He’s paired with Sue, a designer who doesn’t know how to use a sewing machine; and Alexandria, who started the season cocky but has dwindled into meekdom. His attitude, however, sabotages the team from the start, and his partners don’t have strong enough personalities to overcome the nonstop shade he throws.

Also, well. Sue is hopeless. And she refers to Ken as their “chauffeur .”

I don’t have to tell you that their gray and black collection is terrible. Just, no. Sue doesn’t even finish her look, and the model has to sew it on herself? In the bathroom? WHAT IS EVEN HAPPENING ON THIS SHOW. The whole team falls apart on the runway, and after lots of pussyfooting and passive-aggressiveness and awkward silence, everyone eventually throws Sue under the bus.

I mean. (Lifetime)

Kate, Jeremy and Karen earn high marks for their “futuristic Great Gatsby” collection, and it’s indeed the best of the bunch: interesting and edgy and sleek. I don’t LOVE Kate’s look as much up close, but she’s clearly the frontrunner this season. No one else right now comes close to her consistency, cohesion and creativity.

Jeremy’s winning look. (Lifetime)

Jeremy takes the win for his white dress, and it’s a strong effort. But the best? Not so sure. I’d argue that the overall best look was Bradon’s bridal showstopper. (He’s also Kate’s strongest competition.)

It’s no big shock that Sue is finally sent packing, back to her magical sewing machine at home that she claims to know how to use. Because these here are, you know, difficult.

And now, can we please get back to individual designs and varied, non-sponsor-placement challenges? Thanks.